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Coronavirus Ireland

Assistant Secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach, Liz Canavan, laid down the law at the Government’s daily coronavirus updates briefing.

She said: “While the government still advises people to stay at home as much as possible to minimise the spread of COVID-19, it is permitted to exercise in the outdoors within 5km of your home. It is critical in this that you continue to observe social distancing while exercising.

“Outdoor spaces and tourism sites including car parks, beaches and trails will be opened where people can move around freely and where social distancing can be maintained.

“If you are visiting a public recreation amenity, refrain from long stays at the site and do not have picnics.

Coronavirus health advice

The senior Government official also pointed to the requirement to sign-off coronavirus unemployment benefit if you restart work this week.

Ms Canavan said: “As we plan for the start of the first phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, a number of those who currently receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment income support, will be looking forward to returning to work.

“If you are one of these people, you should close your claim today as you return to work.

“If you are starting work later in the week, you should close your claim on the day you return to employment.”

And she reminded people that road testing centres are reopened today for commercial vehicles.

She said: “ The Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT) network will reopen today for vehicles with a test due date prior to 28th March, before the 3-month extension to commercial vehicle certificates of roadworthiness came into effect.

“The resumption of testing for vehicles with a test due date on or after 28th March 2020 is expected to follow over the coming weeks.”